Exclusive: Internal communications from Arizona’s Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD) suggest potential breaches of security protocols by staff members, notably in relation to a student walkout earlier this year protesting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as reported by America First Legal.
On January 28, a significant number of students from both high school and middle school in Flagstaff staged a walkout against ICE. This protest was framed within the context of a broader national discourse, particularly following tragic incidents involving anti-ICE advocates Renee Good and Alex Preti in Minnesota. The day after the walkout, many parents expressed their dissatisfaction, noting that they had not received prior notification about their children leaving school grounds without their consent, which raised safety concerns. “The district has failed me as a parent,” lamented one upset parent.
Documents from America First Legal indicate FUSD officials were aware of the planned strike days in advance and had worked in collaboration with students. These records were acquired through a lawsuit that compelled FUSD to disclose pertinent documents related to the protest.
A text message shared among district staff showcased teachers coordinating during the walkout. In one message, a staff member pointed out, “More than 75 students are performing outside of school.” Another comment added, “It looks like members of the public are also participating.”
Another message raised alarm about safety, cautioning staff members to be aware of doors left open for students to re-enter the building.
In response to the allegations, a district spokesperson told Fox News Digital, “We respectfully disagree with the characterization that the Flagstaff Unified School District encouraged students to attend or intentionally disregarded district policy.”
The spokesperson also highlighted the challenge school districts face in striking a balance between students’ First Amendment rights, ensuring their safety, and maintaining school operations responsibly.
FUSD policy stipulates that the “superintendent shall restrict access to school buildings and grounds,” and that teachers are responsible for managing access protocols. Furthermore, it mandates that students aged 6 to 16 must attend school during designated hours and that attempts must be made to notify parents promptly if they are absent.
In an email sent to principal Tad Ragan, a student indicated that protest plans were communicated at least two days prior. The student mentioned a proposed departure from class at 11:45 a.m. to raise awareness about ICE, soliciting guidance on how to organize the effort more effectively.
Ragan’s reply assured students that the district intended to oversee a peaceful protest. He later asked the student to visit his office to discuss further.
One teacher, Janet Chavez Vesely, reached out to various school administrators the day before the protest to discuss plans with the student Hispanic Cultural Club. She indicated that she remained neutral throughout the planning stages while answering students’ inquiries.
Some parents, aware of the impending walkout, proactively communicated with the district about their children’s absences due to safety concerns. One parent expressed, “I have learned that both Flagstaff High School and Coconino High School are planning full-scale protests, so I will not be sending my daughter home from school this Wednesday.” Another parent declared, “I don’t want my child involved in something like this during a potentially volatile situation.”
ONE staff member even expressed excitement about the protest, saying, “This walkout is going to be fun!”
On the protest day, Principal Christopher Kenker stated in an email that FUSD supports student rights to peaceful assembly, acknowledging awareness of student-led events. “The school does not encourage or discourage participation,” he noted, adding that staffing and law enforcement support would be arranged for safety and supervision purposes, not to stifle student expression.
Following the protests, an internal report underscored that “the school is not responsible for the safety of students once they leave campus.” Another note mentioned that a teacher took students outside to observe the protest, but confirmed later that only three students remained inside due to discomfort with the situation. Thus, the administrator asked that the class return indoors to avoid any implication of influencing students.
In discussions post-protest, some parents conveyed feelings of frustration. One mother shared concerns over her daughter potentially feeling pressured to participate by peers or staff. Amidst her worries, she articulated, “We expect the district to be transparent and not to jeopardize the safety of our children.”
Others pointed out that they had not been notified until the end of the day, and noted that their child presumed the event was sanctioned by the school due to teachers providing a “map” to the location.
“This school district has violated my trust and ignored its own policies,” proclaimed one concerned parent.
James Rogers, senior general counsel for America First, stated that the evidence documents a significant breach of trust, raising serious questions about the actions of district officials. “Parents have a right to know where their children are. These officials were mandated to act, and they fell short,” he insisted.
